Picture courtesy of Matichon 

 

Thai military forces launched coordinated air and artillery strikes on 9 December against a scam-operating base in Cambodia’s O Smach area, causing significant damage to an under-construction building and prompting further cross-border escalation. The attack, carried out at approximately 18:35, involved a Gripen fighter jet dropping bombs and self-propelled artillery targeting sites east of the Or Smach Resort Casino community in Uddar Meanchey Province, close to Thailand’s Chong Chom permanent checkpoint in Dan Subdistrict, Kap Choeng District, Surin. Explosions were heard across nearby Thai villages and fires were reported at the struck construction site, with initial reports indicating one guard dead pending confirmation.

 

Thai units also shelled a separate Cambodian military position to the west of the Royal Hill Casino, sending tremors through Dan Subdistrict. According to local reports, the new scam-site structure collapsed and caught fire, while an adjacent casino building and a completed scam-base structure remained intact due to concerns for several thousand foreign nationals allegedly confined there and forced to work. Thai forces said their operation focused solely on newly built sections to avoid harming those held inside.

 

The escalation came as a Cambodian Facebook user, posting under the name “Veat Osmach,” shared video footage showing smoke rising near the casino area. In the clip, the speaker warned residents that “around six o’clock Thailand dropped two bombs on our O Smach,” urging people not to return. Meanwhile, the Facebook page “ที่ว่าการอำเภอพนมดงรัก จ.สุรินทร์” advised residents around 19:00 to seek shelter amid warnings of an expected release of suicide drones, cautioning people not to go outside to observe them.

 

Later in the evening, Cambodian forces reportedly fired BM-21 rockets at Prasat Kana in Naeng Mut Subdistrict, Kap Choeng District, injuring several Thai soldiers. This development added to fears of a widening confrontation along the already tense border zone.

 

Matichon reported that officials and residents are closely monitoring events as concerns grow over potential further drone attacks or artillery exchanges. Verification of casualty figures and structural damage remains ongoing, while both sides assess their next steps following the heightened hostilities of 9 December. Authorities have not confirmed whether the large-scale drone use referenced online will materialise but continue to urge civilians to remain in safe areas.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thai forces used Gripen aircraft and artillery to destroy a newly built scam-base structure near the O Smach border zone.

• Cambodian responses included BM-21 rocket fire that injured several Thai soldiers.

• Authorities warned residents to seek safety amid fears of up to 600 potential suicide drones.

 

Related Stories

 

Rocket-and-gunfire-exchanges-continue-on-Thai-Cambodian-border

 

Thai-airstrikes-hit-Cambodian-positions-as-clashes-escalate

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-10

 

 

 

 

UPDATE
Thai Soldier Killed by BM-21 Shrapnel as Hospital Hit Nearby

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

 

Thailand confirmed the death of Private Thirdsak Srilachai on 10 December 2025 after he was fatally wounded by BM-21 rocket shrapnel during fierce fighting near Prasat Kana, becoming the fifth Thai soldier killed in the ongoing border conflict. The 20-year-old infantryman from Infantry Battalion 3, Infantry Regiment 23 in Surin died while receiving treatment at Phanom Dong Rak Hospital. His death prompted widespread tributes online, where users expressed condolences and praised his bravery in defending the country.

 

The incident occurred amid escalating clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, where military engagements have intensified over several days. In a related development, BM-21 rounds landed close to Phanom Dong Rak Hospital at 08:40 on 10 December, raising further concerns about civilian safety. Medical teams swiftly moved all patients and staff into bunkers, following fears of repeated mis-targeted strikes.

 

Reports indicate that the strike’s proximity to the hospital created immediate operational challenges, disrupting medical care for both military and civilian patients. The hospital has become a critical treatment point due to frequent casualties from the frontline. The shelling underscored how fighting has brought increased risk to essential infrastructure, heightening anxiety among residents and frontline personnel.

 

Reactions online and among observers have focused on the dangers posed by the use of BM-21 rockets in areas where civilian facilities are located. Analysts warn that continued exchanges of fire increase the likelihood of additional damage to key services and raise the risk of unintended casualties. The loss of Private Thirdsak has also fuelled public calls for strengthened protective measures for personnel stationed near high-risk zones.

 

The Second Army Region posted the Battlefield Situation Report for 10 Dec 2025

 

Buriram Province — 1 main frontline:

1. Chaeng Satuk Border Pass Frontline:

Exchanges of fire have begun

 

Surin Province — 5 main frontlines:

1. Chong Chom – Chong Prer – Chong Rayi Frontline:

Intermittent firing

2. Prasat Khana Frontline:

Intermittent firing 

3. Prasat Ta Kwai Frontline:

Intermittent firing

4. Chong Krang Frontline:

Intermittent firing

5. Prasat Ta Muen Thom Frontline:

Intermittent firing

 

Si Sa Ket Province — 4 main frontlines:

1. Preah Vihear (Cham Sam Tae – Don Tual – Phu Phee – Satthasom – Phanom Prasittho – Chong Ta Thao):

Intermittent clashes

2. Preah Vihear (Preah Vihear Temple – Pha Mo I Daeng – Huai Ta Maria):

Intermittent clashes

3. Phu Ma Khuea – Chong Don Ao – Phlan Yao – Phlan Hin Paet Kon:

Intermittent clashes

4. Chong Sa-ngam:

No clashes reported

 

Ubon Ratchathani Province — 2 main frontlines:

1. Chong Bok Frontline:

Intermittent clashes

2. Chong Ahn Ma Frontline:

Intermittent clashes

 

Amarin reported that authorities are maintaining heightened alert levels as cross-border hostilities continue without signs of de-escalation. Evacuation procedures remain active around Phanom Dong Rak Hospital, with security assessments ongoing to determine whether further relocations are necessary. Additional updates are expected as military operations and diplomatic responses evolve in the coming days.

 

The Thai Army Command released drone footage showing strikes on Cambodian Military targets

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Private Thirdsak Srilachai died on 10 December from BM-21 shrapnel, becoming the fifth Thai soldier killed in the clashes.

• BM-21 rockets struck near Phanom Dong Rak Hospital on 10 December, forcing the evacuation of patients and staff into bunkers.

• Escalating Thai-Cambodian border fighting continues to threaten civilians and essential infrastructure.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Aamarin 2025-12-10

 

UPDATE
Navy Deploys HTMS Thepa in Multi-strikes on Cambodian Forces
 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

Thailand’s Navy has launched a full-scale operation, “Trat Prab Prapak”, deploying sea, air and land assets in response to escalating clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border in Chanthaburi and Trat. The campaign includes the use of HTMS Thepa, which has been carrying out continuous patrols and firing naval artillery in support of ground troops attempting to secure contested territory. Thai authorities have issued an urgent warning for all Thai fishing vessels to avoid the maritime boundary with Cambodia.

 

The Navy confirmed on 10 December that all personnel in its operational area had been placed on heightened readiness status, with every onboard weapon system prepared for immediate use. HTMS Thepa has been operating around the clock, conducting surveillance and providing fire support to forces under the Border Defence Command of Chanthaburi and Trat (กปช.จต.). These actions follow a series of border clashes across multiple locations in recent days, prompting the multi-domain response.

 

On 9 December, HTMS Thepa provided heavy-gun fire to assist ground units attempting to seize the “three houses” position in Ban Nong Ri. Thai forces reported that roughly 80% of the Cambodian stronghold had been destroyed, including bunkers believed to store weapons and ammunition. Naval infantry units were preparing to complete the destruction of the remaining structures.

 

Despite the progress, ground troops have not yet secured the area in full due to entrenched Cambodian positions. Cambodian units have dug bunkers and defensive trenches, enabling them to use heavy artillery to resist Thai advances. Ongoing exchanges of fire have slowed the final push by Thai forces under the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Command.

 

Naewna reported that the Navy continues to instruct Thai fishing vessels to keep clear of the maritime boundary and to report any sightings of Cambodian naval vessels immediately to the Naval Operations Centre via 02-475-4532 or radio channel 21C. Authorities say the situation remains volatile, with further operations expected as Thailand seeks to reassert and safeguard its territorial sovereignty.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand’s Navy launched “Trat Prab Prapak”, deploying sea, air and land forces in response to border clashes.

• HTMS Thepa has been providing continuous surveillance and naval gunfire to support ground operations.

• Thai forces have destroyed most of a Cambodian-held position but have not fully secured the area due to heavy resistance.

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-12-10

 

Here is a Reuters report on the escalation.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-cambodia-fighting-spreads-along-contested-border-2025-12-09/ 

UPDATE
Cambodia Accused of Firing 50 BM-21 Rockets Into Thai Civilian Areas

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

Thai authorities report that Cambodian forces have fired at least 50 BM-21 rockets into civilian areas across four Thai border provinces, causing widespread damage but no reported casualties. The Second Army Region stated that the latest barrage struck at 11.15 on 10 December 2025, following a series of cross-border attacks beginning on 7 December. Evacuations have been expanded across high-risk areas, with over 171,000 residents moved to temporary shelters.

 

The Second Army added that Cambodia “indiscriminately fired BM-21 rockets at the Prasart Khna area” despite having its own forces positioned there. It reported that Cambodian troops had launched overnight attacks at Chong Bok and Chong An Ma in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani, including more than 80 drone sorties. Cambodian units also used BM-21 rockets, tanks and direct-fire weapons in attempts to seize Phu Ma Khuea, targeting Thai positions at Stupa Khuea and Huai Tamaria in Kantharalak district, Sisaket.

 

Thai forces responded by destroying an anti-drone position south of Chong Chom to support clearing operations near mango orchards extending towards Chong Rayei. The statement said Cambodia fired rockets “without regard for their own troops positioned to resist Thai control of the area.” Clashes have continued for three days around the Chong An Ma pass, where two Royal Thai Air Force F-16s carried out a strike at about 09.30 on 10 December, prompting a 20-minute artillery response from Cambodian forces before firing resumed at 10.30.

 

Evacuations have been implemented at 696 locations, housing 171,681 people: 29,865 in Ubon Ratchathani, 72,907 in Sisaket, 62,846 in Surin and 6,063 in Buriram. A further 75 special shelters have been opened for vulnerable groups, accommodating 4,350 people across the four provinces. The Second Army has organised morale-support activities including music, outdoor films and children’s recreation areas to ease stress among displaced residents.

 

Newna reported that Officials stated, “The Second Army assures the public that all measures will be taken to maintain security and protect the sovereignty of the nation.” Assessments of damage and risk continue in all affected provinces as authorities monitor further cross-border activity. No injuries or fatalities have yet been reported, but inspections are ongoing in high-risk zones.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Cambodian forces fired at least 50 BM-21 rockets into Thai civilian areas across four border provinces.

• More than 171,000 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters, with ongoing military clashes.

• Thai forces carried out an F-16 airstrike as cross-border attacks continued around Chong An Ma.

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-12-10

 

UPDATE
Thailand Orders Further Evacuations as Border Fighting Intensifies

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Thai authorities ordered the full evacuation of Khlong Hat District on 10 December 2025 after escalating clashes along the Sa Kaeo border, prompting the temporary closure of Khlong Hat Hospital and all local health promotion hospitals in four border districts. Residents were instructed to seek emergency care at nearby facilities, while the State Railway of Thailand suspended Eastern Line services between Aranyaprathet Station and the Ban Khlong Luek Border Checkpoint until further notice. The Burapha Task Force simultaneously confirmed the opening of five active battlefronts across Sa Kaeo Province as fighting intensified.

 

Earlier in the day, the First Army Area Operations Center reported a series of confrontations beginning at 12:00, including periodic small-arms and heavy-weapons exchanges in Ban Khlong Phaeng and intermittent clashes in Ban Nong Chan. Defensive positions were reinforced in Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, where artillery and grenade-launcher fire continued, while minor skirmishes were observed in Ban Khlong Luek. In Khlong Hat District, Thai forces fired artillery after spotting three Cambodian armoured vehicles positioned across the border.

 

The renewed hostilities followed a series of border incidents over recent days, culminating in cross-border fire that caused residents of Ban Khao Chan Daeng to flee their homes after the first explosions were heard. At 12:50, approximately 20 BM-21 artillery shells fired by Cambodian forces landed near checkpoint Jor Tor Sor 34 in Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, though no injuries were reported. Village headman Rojanadet Theeranetr said 5–6 heavy rounds struck Soi 7–8 of Ban Khao Chong Khaep and the Ban Thapthim Siam 05 border road after 11:00, prompting a Thai artillery response.

 

Regional diplomatic efforts continued as Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim announced on Wednesday afternoon that he had spoken with both Thai Prime Minister Anutin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet about the escalating tensions. Anwar said both leaders expressed openness to continued negotiations aimed at easing the situation and preventing further escalation, although no resolution had yet been reached. He added that sustained engagement had helped prevent more serious incidents during a critical period.

 

Khoasod reported that during the Wednesday afternoon, the Burapha Task Force also declared a curfew in four Sa Kaeo districts—Ta Phraya, Khok Sung, Aranyaprathet and Khlong Hat—effective from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM starting 10 December 2025. Authorities said the measure was intended to maintain public safety amid ongoing cross-border exchanges. The First Army Area reiterated that no casualties had been reported and emphasised its commitment to defending and reclaiming Thailand’s sovereignty.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thai authorities evacuated the entire Khlong Hat District after intensified border clashes and artillery fire.

• Five active battlefronts were confirmed by the Burapha Task Force, with multiple districts experiencing intermittent hostilities.

• ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim engaged both governments in efforts to prevent further escalation, though no resolution has been reached.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-10

 

UPDATE
Sixth Thai Soldier Killed as Border Clashes Continue 

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A sixth Thai soldier has died amid ongoing clashes along the Thailand–Cambodia border, the Thai Army confirmed on the evening of 10 December. Master Sergeant Ananda Udon, a fighter of Phu Ma Khuea attached to the Sing Suek Battalion, was killed while defending Thai territory. The immediate impact has been a surge of public grief, with social media users widely posting tributes and messages of condolence to his family.

 

As of Wednesday evening, six Thai soldiers have been confirmed dead during the current round of hostilities. Cambodia has not released its military casualty figures but claims that nine civilians have died. The death of MSgt Ananda follows heavy exchanges in recent days, including a second round of fighting in which he had earlier written, “I promise I will be safe and return to my family,” and, “Defending sovereignty is a red line that no one can cross.”

 

Tensions have escalated steadily, with both sides trading accusations over responsibility for the renewed violence. Thailand maintains that Cambodia violated multiple agreements, while Cambodia has asserted it is ready to negotiate but will not initiate talks first. In the hours before the latest fatality was confirmed, the Thai government released its official position through the Public Relations Department, stating that “Thailand will not initiate aggression but must defend itself,” and reaffirming commitments to humanity, lawful self-protection, and the primacy of civilian safety.

 

General Natthaphon Narkphanit, Minister of Defence, emphasised that military force remains a last resort in border disputes, while cautioning that Thailand “will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty.” The latest casualty is expected to increase pressure on both governments to clarify their next steps, particularly as residents in several provinces continue to experience the effects of cross-border shelling. Observers note that the rising death toll may harden domestic sentiment and narrow the political space for compromise.

 

Khoasod reported that the Thai government is expected to continue reinforcing its defensive posture while keeping open the possibility of de-escalation should Cambodia halt its claimed violations. International attention is likely to intensify as casualty figures on both sides grow and humanitarian risks increase. Further official statements are anticipated as Thai military assessments and diplomatic efforts progress in the coming days.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Six Thai soldiers have died, with Master Sergeant Ananda Udon the latest casualty.

• Thailand reiterates it will not initiate aggression but insists on defending its sovereignty.

• Cambodia claims nine civilian deaths, increasing pressure for de-escalation.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-10

 

Another unnecessary  death...just because of a piece of land which is disputed over more than 100 years already.. Why not accept the border? The growing clashes are international news and with problems in the South, The Myanmar Civil War at the West border,.put it all together with the dangerous roads and the airpollution andThailand is becoming a dangerous country to go on holiday for tourists.

RIP to all deceased persons on both sides, waste of lives

diplomacy is over, these idiots need to be taught a lesson, those in power in Cambodia need to be removed

1 hour ago, smedly said:

diplomacy is over, these idiots need to be taught a lesson, those in power in Cambodia need to be removed

How do you propose they remove China?

On 12/10/2025 at 6:12 AM, Georgealbert said:

According to local reports, the new scam-site structure collapsed and caught fire, while an adjacent casino building and a completed scam-base structure remained intact due to concerns for several thousand foreign nationals allegedly confined there and forced to work. Thai forces said their operation focused solely on newly built sections to avoid harming those held inside.

The new Cambodia.... owned by China